Palanivel A v. The District Collector

ORDER (Order of the Court was made by Dr.G.Jayachandran J.) This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a Writ of Mandamus to direct the respondents to conduct a comprehensive enquiry into the illegal transfer of property and issuance of patta situated at Thirukkadaiyur village and Surrounding areas of Mayiladuthurai District.

¶2The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, while referring to the representation dated 13.03.2026, submitted that pursuant to a resolution passed by the Panchayat in a Grama Sabha Meeting, attempts are made to assign patta to the occupants of the Government land in Tharangambadi and Mayladuthurai Taluks.

¶3However, on perusal of the representation, we find that except for making certain vague allegations based on hearsay, there is no specific averment or assertion that any patta has been granted in favour of any individual.

¶4The nature of the prayer is also very unspecific and vague, effectively seeking a roving enquiry into all pattas granted to occupants of Government Poramboke land. The Revenue Standing Order (RSO) constitute a Page3 of 5 composite framework regulating the manner in which the Government land occupied by individuals is to be dealt with. Concurrently, the Patta Pass Book Act provides for issuance of patta only to those who deserves and satisfy the mandate prescribed under both the RSO and the Patta Pass Book Act.

¶5While so, the normal course of action and the discharge of duty by the officials is presumed to be in accordance with law. If it is not in consonance with the statute, the person who wants to invoke the jurisdiction of this Court under Article 226 as a Public Interest Litigation must come to this Court with clean hands and with clean facts. A petition of this nature seeking to make a roving enquiry cannot be entertained unless and until the petitioner is able to produce the documents showing that patta for Government land, which cannot be assigned, has been assigned to individuals illegally.

¶6Since, we do not find any such averments in the petition, this Writ Petition stands dismissed. No costs. (Dr.G.J.,J.) (N.M.,J.) 17-07-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order rpl Page4 of 5 To

1.The District Collector Office, Mayiladuthurai District.

2.The District Revenue Officer The District Revenue Office, Mayiladuthurai District.

3.Divisional Revenue Officer Divisional Revenue Office, Sirkali, Mayiladuthurai District.

4.The Tahsildar Tharangambadi Taluk, Mayiladuthurai District. WPoNo.o27656oofo2026 DR.G.JAYACHANDRANoJ. and N.MALAoJ. rpl WritoPetitionoNo.o27656oofo2026 17-07-2026 Page5oofo5

Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 17-07-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE DR JUSTICE G. JAYACHANDRAN AND THE HON'BLE MRS.JUSTICE N. MALA Writ Petition No. 27656 of 2026 Palanivel A ..Petitioner Vs 1. The District Collector Office, Mayiladuthurai District. 2. The District Revenue Officer The District Revenue Office, Mayiladuthurai District. 3. Divisional Revenue Officer Divisional Revenue Office, Sirkali, Mayiladuthurai District. 4. The Tahsildar Tharangambadi Taluk, Mayiladuthurai District. ..Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, direction, 1 to 4 conduct a comprehensive enquiry into the alleged illegal transfer and patta issuance in respect of Government Poramboke lands situated in Thirukkadaiyur village and Surrounding areas of Mayiladuthurai District. For Petitioner: M/s.T.Sudha Gandhi Page2 of 5 For Respondents: Mr.K.Surendar Government Advocate